The FOX 8 Defenders have learned the Louisiana Public Service Commission voted in favor Wednesday of a measure that’s expected to lessen the impact on North Shore residents dealing with higher utility bills. Instead of a one-time increase, waste water rates for Utilities Inc. customers will be phased in over a three year period.

The base waste water rate for many residential customers for example will start at $24.50 in year one and climb to $29.70 in year three. The PSC says at the end of that third year, rates will remain at those levels. The PSC also tells us, the company has agreed to develop level billing to be implemented no later than January 2017.

For the last nine months, residents in several St. Tammany subdivisions had complained of utility bills that had doubled and tripled in some cases. Utilities Inc. says that revenue would pay for costs incurred to make system improvements.

The FOX 8 Defenders staffed with volunteers from the National Council of Jewish Women also field consumer complaints at 1-877-670-6397 or you can fill out an online complaint form.

After more than 14 days without phone service and the inability to use a medical alert system, a 96-year-old New Orleans woman's son turned to the FOX 8 Defenders for help. We got the family answers and action right away.

After more than 14 days without phone service and the inability to use a medical alert system, a 96-year-old New Orleans woman's son turned to the FOX 8 Defenders for help. We got the family answers and action right away.

It sounds just like the plot line of a television show- a woman naked and afraid, lost in remote woods. But Lisa Theris’ journey back to civilization was real life and a real struggle that lasted a month in Bullock County.

It sounds just like the plot line of a television show- a woman naked and afraid, lost in remote woods. But Lisa Theris’ journey back to civilization was real life and a real struggle that lasted a month in Bullock County.